Brand Controversies Tracker

Ben & Jerry's filed a federal lawsuit against its parent company, Unilever, alleging that the parent company silenced the brand's attempts to call for a ceasefire in Gaza. The lawsuit claims Unilever breached the terms of a 2022 legal settlement by blocking the independent board's public statements regarding Palestinian refugees and human rights. This internal conflict highlights ongoing tensions regarding the brand's social mission and its corporate autonomy.

Ben & Jerry's independent board sued parent company Unilever, alleging suppression of statements on Palestinian rights and Trump-era immigration — testing the "independent board" acquisition clause.

French prosecutors expanded an investigation into Nestlé Waters regarding the use of prohibited treatment methods, such as UV lamps and carbon filters, for its mineral water brands like Perrier and Vittel. In mid-2024, it was reported that the company reached a high-value settlement (CJIP) to resolve allegations of fraud and environmental infractions related to these illicit purification techniques. The controversy highlights systemic regulatory non-compliance in the company's bottled water division.

In 2024, a proposed class action lawsuit was filed against Who Gives A Crap in the U.S. alleging that the company's marketing of its toilet paper as '100% recycled' and environmentally superior was false or misleading because the product is packaged in plastic and may not meet consumer expectations of recyclability. The suit claims the company engaged in greenwashing by deceptively promoting its environmental benefits.

In May 2024, the Supreme Court of India revived a class-action lawsuit filed by the central government against Nestlé India seeking damages for alleged unfair trade practices and misleading advertisements related to Maggi noodles. The case stems from long-standing allegations regarding excessive lead content and the presence of MSG despite 'No added MSG' labels. This development signifies a major legal escalation in one of the brand's largest markets regarding food safety standards.

Nestlé was ordered by French authorities to suspend production at several wells providing water for the Perrier brand due to fecal contamination and bacterial risks linked to extreme weather events. The company was forced to destroy approximately two million bottles of water as a precautionary measure following a formal decree by the regional health agency. This incident raised significant concerns regarding the safety and environmental resilience of Nestlé's water sources.

An investigation by Public Eye and the International Baby Food Action Network revealed that Nestlé adds significant amounts of sugar and honey to infant milk and cereal products sold in low- and middle-income countries, while products in European markets remain sugar-free. This practice contradicts WHO guidelines aimed at preventing obesity and chronic diseases in children. The report sparked widespread public health concerns regarding double standards in nutrition labeling and product formulation.

Changing Markets and BMJ investigations documented Nestlé pushing high-sugar baby cereals in low- and middle-income markets vs healthier variants sold in wealthy countries.

In April 2024, Unilever UK issued a precautionary recall for certain batches of Magnum Almond Ice Cream Sticks due to the possible presence of plastic and metal pieces. The Food Standards Agency (FSA) issued an alert stating that the presence of these foreign materials made the product unsafe to eat. The company apologized and worked with retailers to remove the affected products from shelves.

The UK's Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) banned a YouTube ad for L’Oréal’s Elvive brand for misleading consumers about its environmental impact. The ruling stated that claims of 'carbon neutral' status were not sufficiently substantiated and failed to account for the full lifecycle of the product. This was part of a broader regulatory crackdown on vague environmental marketing.

Former employees of The Body Shop initiated legal action against the company after being made redundant during the administration process. The claims allege that the brand failed to follow statutory redundancy consultation procedures (protective awards) when firing staff at the head office and closed retail locations. Legal firms representing the workers argue that the sudden nature of the layoffs violated UK labor laws.

In early 2024, a report by environmental organizations highlighted concerns regarding Unilever's use of sachet packaging in Southeast Asia, leading to formal complaints about the company's circular economy claims. Critics argued that Unilever’s marketing of sachet collection schemes as 'recycling' was misleading, given the technical and economic difficulties of processing the multi-layered plastic waste. This led to increased scrutiny from NGOs regarding the brand's plastic reduction targets.

The Body Shop ceased all operations in the United States and filed for bankruptcy protection in Canada, leading to the immediate closure of dozens of stores. The company cited a lack of liquidity and the inability to pay vendors after the UK parent company entered administration. This resulted in hundreds of workers losing their jobs without notice in the North American market.

Reports emerged following the insolvency filing alleging that millions of pounds were missing from The Body Shop’s accounts prior to its collapse. Administrators from FRP Advisory began investigating the 'shortfall' in cash, questioning the financial handling by previous owners and the transition period under Aurelius. The investigation focuses on whether funds were inappropriately diverted before the UK arm was declared insolvent.

Following the administration filing, it was reported that The Body Shop had failed to pay millions in rent across its UK store portfolio. Landlords and retail property groups initiated legal concerns and eviction discussions as the administrators moved to shutter nearly half of the brand's UK outlets to cut costs. This caused significant disruption for commercial property owners and retail park operators.

In 2024, Cotopaxi voluntarily recalled certain Fuego down jackets because the zipper pull could detach and pose a choking hazard. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) reported the recall affected about 1,200 jackets sold in the U.S. and Canada. The company offered refunds or replacement zippers.

The Body Shop's UK operation officially entered administration, putting approximately 2,000 jobs and 197 stores at risk. FRP Advisory was appointed to oversee the process after the company faced significant financial distress and failed to secure a rescue deal following its acquisition by Aurelius. This move marked a major collapse for the high street brand known for its ethical stance.

The Body Shop entered UK administration, threatening dozens of stores and hundreds of jobs — raising questions about long-term stewardship under successive owners.

In December 2023, the UK Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) launched a formal investigation into Unilever over concerns it may be overstating the environmental friendliness of certain products. The regulator is examining whether Unilever uses vague or misleading claims, such as 'natural' or 'clean,' and if imagery like green leaves unfairly influences consumers. This probe is part of a wider crackdown on greenwashing in the household essentials sector.

A report and subsequent journalistic investigations in late 2023 highlighted ongoing human rights concerns in palm oil plantations in Malaysia and Indonesia that supply major FMCG companies, including L’Oréal. The reports documented cases of debt bondage, withheld passports, and unsafe working conditions for migrant workers. L'Oréal was named as a major purchaser from refineries linked to these systemic labor abuses.

Throughout 2023 and 2024, thousands of new lawsuits were added to a massive multidistrict litigation (MDL) against L’Oréal and other manufacturers. The plaintiffs allege that chemical hair straightening products caused uterine cancer, ovarian cancer, and other reproductive health issues. The litigation reached a significant scale following a 2022 NIH study, with the court overseeing thousands of active claims as of late 2023.

In late 2023, environmental groups and investigative reports questioned the validity of 'water saver' claims made by L’Oréal brands. The complaints centered on whether the technology truly reduced overall water consumption at a systemic level or if the marketing exaggerated the environmental benefits. This led to increased scrutiny from French consumer watchdogs regarding the brand's 'sustainable' technology pivots.

A class-action lawsuit progressed in 2023 alleging that L'Oréal-owned CeraVe misled consumers by marketing products as having 'natural' benefits while containing synthetic ingredients. The plaintiffs argued that the branding and ingredient lists were contradictory, leading to premium pricing for non-natural products. The litigation highlights ongoing consumer protection risks regarding 'clean beauty' definitions.

In 2023, a class action lawsuit was filed against Soko Glam, the retailer behind the Soko brand, accusing it of falsely marketing products as 'clean', 'non-toxic', and 'free from harmful chemicals' when they allegedly contained ingredients linked to health concerns. The suit claimed consumers paid a premium based on these unsubstantiated claims. The case is ongoing in California federal court.

In July 2023, Ukraine's National Agency on Corruption Prevention (NACP) added Unilever to its 'International Sponsors of War' list. The agency cited Unilever's continued operations in Russia and the payment of significant taxes to the Russian state following the invasion of Ukraine. This designation resulted in widespread public criticism and pressure from human rights groups regarding the company's ethical footprint.

A class action lawsuit was filed against Barebones Living, a parent brand of certain outdoor cookware and accessories, alleging that the company engaged in deceptive pricing by listing false 'original' prices to create an illusion of discounts. The plaintiff claimed this violated consumer protection laws. The case was filed in California federal court in 2023.

In 2023, a class action lawsuit was filed against Better World Books, alleging that the company misled customers by claiming that its book sales directly funded literacy programs and planted trees, while in reality the donations were minimal or exaggerated. The lawsuit sought damages for deceptive marketing practices under consumer protection laws. The case was covered by multiple legal news outlets.

Estée Lauder brands (MAC, Clinique, Bobbi Brown, La Mer) remain sold in mainland China, which historically triggered post-market animal testing.

L'Oréal faces litigation related to talc-based cosmetics, echoing wider industry concerns about asbestos contamination in cosmetic-grade talc.

In 2023, an investigative report by the nonprofit Clean Clothes Campaign documented wage violations at a Kolkata-based supplier factory used by Finn + Emma, including underpayment of minimum wage, non-payment of overtime, and denial of legally mandated breaks. The factory employed mostly women producing organic cotton garments. Finn + Emma issued a public statement promising to audit and remediate, but the NGO noted no immediate corrective action.

A class-action lawsuit was filed in April 2023 against Monos, alleging that the company falsely advertised its carry-on luggage as compliant with major airline size restrictions. The plaintiff claimed the bags were often rejected at the gate due to being oversized. The case was eventually dismissed in 2024, but the controversy highlighted consumer confusion.

A Strategic Organizing Center analysis of OSHA data found Amazon warehouse serious-injury rates roughly double the non-Amazon warehousing industry.

In 2023, a proposed class action lawsuit was filed against Cotopaxi in the U.S. alleging that its 'Gear for Good' program, which donates a percentage of sales to charities, is deceptive because the company does not clearly disclose that it takes a tax deduction for those donations, misleading consumers into thinking their purchase directly funds charity without tax benefit to Cotopaxi.

A 2023 investigation by Forbes Advisor scrutinized Ritual’s marketing tactics, specifically their use of the term 'clinical study' and 'traceable' ingredients. The report highlighted concerns that while the brand emphasizes transparency, its marketing can lead consumers to believe their supplements provide unique health outcomes that are not uniquely supported by their specific clinical data compared to generic alternatives. This raised questions about potential 'health-washing' in the supplement industry.

Blueland, alongside other brands, supported a formal request to the EPA to tighten the definition of 'polymers' under the Toxic Substances Control Act. The controversy centers on whether the PVA/PVOH film used in laundry pods should be classified as a microplastic, with Blueland advocating for more rigorous oversight of these materials to prevent environmental accumulation.

Following a voluntary recall in late 2022, Unilever faced multiple consumer class-action lawsuits in 2023 alleging that its dry shampoo products, including brands like Dove and Suave, contained benzene, a known human carcinogen. Plaintiffs alleged that the company failed to warn consumers about the presence of the chemical and the potential health risks. One such consolidated class action continued through US courts during early 2023.

In 2022, Cotopaxi was named in a report by the watchdog group Clean Creatives for using carbon offsets that the group argued were ineffective and potentially fraudulent, particularly offsets tied to forestry projects that did not meet certification standards. The report questioned the veracity of Cotopaxi's claim that certain product lines were 'carbon neutral.'

A consumer lawsuit alleged that Barebones Living falsely marketed certain products as 'Made in USA' when they were actually manufactured in China. The plaintiff claimed the company's 'Heirloom' Dutch Ovens and other items were mislabeled, violating federal labeling laws. The case was dismissed in part but highlighted ongoing scrutiny of the brand's origin claims.

In December 2022, Monos voluntarily recalled its Carry-On Plus and Check-In luggage models due to a risk of the wheel detachment, posing a fall hazard. The recall involved approximately 3,600 units sold in the U.S. and Canada. Consumers were offered a free replacement wheel kit or a full refund.

In November 2022, Pact Coffee issued a voluntary recall of a batch of its coffee pods due to the possible presence of small metal fragments. The recall affected specific batch codes and was announced via the UK Food Standards Agency. Customers were advised to return the product for a full refund.

Blueland has been a primary vocal proponent in a campaign claiming that Polyvinyl Alcohol (PVA) used in competing laundry pods does not fully biodegrade in wastewater treatment plants, contributing to plastic pollution. While not a lawsuit against Blueland, the brand is at the center of this industry-wide scientific controversy regarding the greenwashing of 'dissolvable' plastics.

Break Free From Plastic's annual brand audit repeatedly ranks Unilever among the top branded plastic polluters globally.

In 2022, an investigation by the Swiss NGO Public Eye alleged that Cotopaxi's partner supplier in China, which produced down jackets, violated workers' rights including excessive overtime and inadequate wages. Cotopaxi acknowledged the report, stating it had launched an audit and would work to remediate issues, but the incident raised questions about its ethical sourcing claims.

In 2022, the nonprofit Environmental Working Group (EWG) raised concerns about Soko Glam's marketing of certain products as 'clean' while the products contained ingredients listed on EWG's 'unacceptable' or 'moderate hazard' databases. The group published a detailed analysis questioning the brand's transparency and greenwashing practices. Soko Glam defended its formulations, but the incident drew media attention.

In 2022, a formal complaint was filed with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) by a consumer advocacy group, accusing Better World Books of greenwashing by marketing its shipping as 'carbon-neutral' without providing adequate third-party verification or offsets. The complaint cited potential violation of FTC Green Guides. No regulatory action has been publicly disclosed as of the latest reports.

A US National Labor Relations Board hearing officer found Amazon violated federal labour law during the JFK8 Staten Island union election.

In 2022, a class action lawsuit was filed against Terra Thread in California federal court, claiming that the company misled consumers by marketing its products as biodegradable when they did not break down in real-world landfill conditions. The complaint asserted violations of consumer protection laws and sought damages for deceptive environmental claims. The case was widely reported by legal news outlets.

In 2022, competitor Away filed a patent infringement lawsuit against Monos, alleging that Monos copied elements of Away's luggage design, including the interior compression system and luggage shell shape. The case was settled out of court in 2023 with undisclosed terms, but the litigation was widely reported.

In 2022, a class action lawsuit was filed in California federal court accusing Finn + Emma of falsely labeling baby clothing and bedding as 'all-natural' and 'chemical-free' despite containing synthetic dyes and flame retardants. The suit sought damages for consumers who paid premium prices based on the claims. The case was partially dismissed in 2023 but remains active as of late 2023.

In March 2022, Georgia-Pacific recalled over 700,000 units of its Quilted Northern Ultra Soft & Strong EcoTouch toilet paper after hundreds of consumer complaints about clogging and pipe damage. The recall was issued in cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) due to the product's failure to break down as claimed. Consumers were advised to stop using the product and contact Georgia-Pacific for a refund.

In 2022, a class action lawsuit was filed against P.F. Candle Co., alleging that the company falsely marketed its candles as 'natural' and 'phthalate-free' when they contained synthetic fragrances and phthalates. The plaintiff claimed the labeling was deceptive under consumer protection laws. The case was eventually dismissed in 2023 after the plaintiff voluntarily withdrew, but it raised public attention about the brand's marketing claims.

In 2022, The Guardian reported that temporary workers at Pukka Herbs' main distribution centre in Bristol faced poor working conditions, including low pay and lack of breaks, via a logistics contractor. The company stated it had since ended the contract and improved monitoring. The report highlighted systemic issues in supply chain labour practices.

PETA lists L'Oréal as a company that continues to permit animal testing where required by law (notably mainland China imports), despite public "no-testing" statements.

In November 2021, P.F. Candle Co. voluntarily recalled approximately 13,000 candles sold nationwide because the glass jars could break during use, posing a fire and laceration hazard. The recall followed reports of 22 incidents of jars breaking, including two minor injuries. Consumers were offered a full refund or replacement.

Prior to the formal recall, the CPSC received over 2,800 consumer complaints about EcoTouch toilet paper causing severe plumbing blockages and septic system failures. The agency issued a safety warning in 2021 urging consumers to stop using the product. Georgia-Pacific initially resisted a recall but later complied under regulatory pressure.

An environmental watchdog group filed a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) alleging that Barebones Living's 'eco-friendly' bamboo products were misrepresented, as the bamboo was chemically processed into viscose/rayon with significant environmental harm. The complaint argued the products were marketed as sustainable despite toxic emissions during manufacturing.

The Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) raised concerns about Allbirds' sustainability claims in its 2021 IPO prospectus, specifically regarding its 'Sustainability Principles and Objectives' framework. Following regulatory intervention, Allbirds modified its documentation to clarify that it could not guarantee compliance with these principles. This action was part of a broader crackdown on corporate greenwashing in financial disclosures.

In 2021, the U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) issued a warning letter to Terra Thread regarding potentially deceptive environmental marketing claims on its packaging and website, including unsubstantiated statements about biodegradability and recycled content. The letter instructed the company to review its compliance with FTC Green Guides. The FTC's enforcement action was publicized on its official website.

In 2021, a UK consumer group filed a complaint with the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) accusing Pukka Herbs of misleading customers by describing its tea bags as 'plastic-free' while they contained polypropylene. The ASA investigation found the claim to be unsubstantiated and ordered the company to remove the term from packaging. Pukka later reformulated the tea bags to remove plastic.

In 2021, Conair recalled about 750,000 Simpli by Conair hair dryers sold in the U.S. and Canada because the plastic housing could detach from the barrel during use, posing fire and burn hazards. The recall was issued after reports of the hair dryers overheating and catching fire, including multiple incidents of property damage and minor burn injuries.

In 2021, a class-action lawsuit was filed against Manduka alleging that its yoga mats marketed as 'anti-microbial' were not proven to have such properties and that the claims were deceptive. The suit sought damages for consumers who purchased mats based on these unsubstantiated health and hygiene assertions. The case highlighted concerns over greenwashing and misleading product labeling in the yoga mat industry.

In 2021, environmental campaigners and media outlets questioned Pact Coffee’s carbon neutral certification, noting that the company relied heavily on carbon offsets rather than direct emission reductions. A complaint was filed with the UK Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) over misleading marketing. The ASA investigated but did not formally uphold the complaint, though the controversy raised ongoing scrutiny of offset-based claims.

In 2021, a class-action lawsuit was filed against Georgia-Pacific alleging that its 'EcoTouch' toilet paper was falsely marketed as environmentally friendly and biodegradable when it allegedly failed to break down in septic systems and caused clogging. The lawsuit claimed the 'eco' branding misled consumers into paying a premium for a product that was not substantively greener than standard toilet paper. The case was later settled with undisclosed terms.

In 2021, Cotopaxi was criticized by environmental groups for marketing its products as 'sustainable' while using synthetic materials (polyester, nylon) derived from fossil fuels. A report from the nonprofit Changing Markets Foundation cited Cotopaxi among brands engaging in greenwashing by overstating their environmental efforts without transparent lifecycle assessments.

A consumer filed a class action lawsuit alleging that Allbirds misled the public regarding its carbon footprint calculations and the treatment of sheep in its supply chain. The plaintiff argued the company's 'sustainable' marketing didn't account for the full environmental impact of wool production or the 'ZQ' certification's actual oversight of animal welfare. The lawsuit was eventually dismissed by a federal judge in 2022.

NRDC and Stand.earth reports repeatedly named P&G as a major driver of Canadian boreal forest degradation via virgin-pulp tissue supply chains.

In 2021, environmental advocacy groups criticized Monos for marketing its luggage as 'plastic neutral' through carbon offset programs, arguing that it misled consumers into thinking the products were environmentally friendly when they were still made of virgin plastics. The complaint did not result in a lawsuit but drew media attention to greenwashing in the travel goods industry.

In 2021, the Norwegian Consumer Authority (Forbrukertilsynet) received a complaint against Who Gives A Crap for alleged greenwashing in its marketing. The complaint challenged claims that the company's products are '100% sustainable' or have 'zero environmental impact', arguing that such absolute environmental claims are unsubstantiated and misleading under Norwegian marketing law.

In 2021, The Little Market was sued in a class-action lawsuit filed in California federal court, alleging the brand misled consumers by marketing products as 'ethically made' and 'sustainably sourced' without sufficient evidence. The lawsuit claimed the company engaged in greenwashing by failing to meet its own stated standards for fair trade and environmental impact. The case was later dismissed without prejudice in 2022, but highlighted ongoing disputes over the brand's transparency.

In 2021, a consumer advocacy group filed a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) alleging that Finn + Emma misled customers by labeling products as '100% organic' when only the cotton content was organic, while dyes, thread, and other components were not certified organic. The FTC issued a warning letter to the company in response, though no formal penalty was imposed. The complaint was made public via the FTC's consumer protection database.

In March 2021, The Honest Kitchen voluntarily recalled a limited number of lots of its Whole Grain Chicken Recipe dehydrated dog food due to potential Salmonella contamination. The recall was initiated after routine testing by the company detected the pathogen. No illnesses were reported, but the recall affected batches sold in the U.S. and Canada.

The watchdog group Good On You and various sustainability experts criticized Everlane for marketing its 'ReNew' recycled plastic collection as a total solution without addressing microplastic shedding. Critics argued the brand's focus on recycled content served as greenwashing while they continued to increase overall production volumes.

In 2020, Manduka voluntarily recalled approximately 4,500 of its eKO Superlite Travel Yoga Mats after reports of skin irritation and allergic reactions. The mats were found to contain elevated levels of a chemical compound that could cause contact dermatitis. The recall was conducted in cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.

In 2020, labor rights groups raised concerns about working conditions at a factory in China that produced Monos luggage, citing excessive overtime and low wages. Monos stated it had audited the factory and addressed some issues, but the incident highlighted ongoing supply chain labor risks. The complaints were not formally litigated.

The National Advertising Division (NAD) of BBB National Programs challenged several of Ritual's advertising claims, including assertions that its multivitamins were 'scientifically developed' and 'clinically proven' to fill nutrient gaps. Ritual was advised to discontinue or modify certain marketing claims that implied its specific formula was superior to others without sufficient comparative evidence. Ritual agreed to comply with NAD’s recommendations regarding their advertising language.

A majority of P&G shareholders voted in favour of a resolution demanding stronger deforestation and boreal-forest sourcing safeguards — a rare rebuke of management.

In 2020, reports emerged that The Little Market, a fair-trade brand co-founded by Lauren Conrad and Hannah Skvarla, faced scrutiny over working conditions at one of its supplier factories in India. An investigation by The Daily Beast alleged that workers making products for the brand were paid below living wages and faced unsafe conditions, contradicting the brand's public commitment to ethical production. The Little Market initially denied the claims but later revised its sourcing practices.

Barebones Living recalled approximately 1,200 'Urbino' LED table lamps after reports that the lampshade could overheat and catch fire. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) announced the recall, urging consumers to stop using the product immediately. No injuries were reported, but the hazard was deemed significant.

RAN's "Keep Forests Standing" scorecard flagged Unilever for weak enforcement of no-deforestation commitments in its palm supply chain.

In August 2020, a class action lawsuit was filed against The Honest Kitchen, alleging that the company falsely marketed its pet foods as 'human grade' when they were not legally classified or regulated as human food. The suit claimed that consumers were misled and paid a premium for the labeling. The case was later dismissed with prejudice in 2021, but the controversy highlighted ongoing scrutiny of the 'human grade' claim in the pet food industry.

In 2020, the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) cited Finn + Emma's Los Angeles factory for multiple serious safety violations, including failure to provide adequate machine guarding and exposure to unsafe levels of cotton dust. The company was fined $12,500 after an inspection revealed hazards that could lead to respiratory issues or physical injury. The citation was publicly listed on OSHA's enforcement database.

Following public outcry over worker treatment, Everlane hired an outside law firm to investigate its internal culture. The investigation concluded that while there was no illegal harassment, the company leadership failed to create a diverse and inclusive environment and had inconsistent management practices that harmed employee well-being.

In 2020, a competitor challenged P.F. Candle Co.'s marketing claims that its candles were '100% natural' and 'eco-friendly.' The National Advertising Division (NAD) of the Better Business Bureau reviewed the claims and recommended that the company modify or discontinue certain environmental and ingredient claims due to lack of substantiation. P.F. Candle Co. agreed to comply with the NAD's recommendations.

In 2020, Terra Thread voluntarily recalled approximately 8,000 units of its children's sewing thread spools after reports that small parts could detach, posing a choking hazard to young children. The recall was coordinated with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and offered full refunds to consumers.

Former employees under the group 'Ex-Everlane' published a manifesto alleging a culture of systemic racism and professional gaslighting at the company. The document detailed instances where Black employees were excluded from meetings and lacked growth opportunities, contradicting the brand's 'Radical Transparency' marketing.

In 2020, a safety complaint was filed with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regarding ergonomic hazards and inadequate protective equipment at a Georgia-Pacific plant producing EcoTouch products. OSHA investigated and cited the facility for two serious violations related to machine guarding and fall hazards. The company paid a fine and implemented corrective measures.

In 2020, Everlane laid off nearly 300 employees, including a significant portion of its customer experience team that was in the process of unionizing. The Communications Workers of America (CWA) filed a complaint with the National Labor Relations Board, alleging the company used the COVID-19 pandemic as a cover to illegally target pro-union workers.

In 2020, the company faced a trademark opposition from a U.S. entity over its brand name, which was deemed potentially offensive or vulgar. The dispute was resolved without litigation, but it highlighted the regulatory and legal hurdles the brand faced in certain jurisdictions.

Open Farm voluntarily recalled a specific lot of its Freeze-Dried Raw Harvest Chicken Recipe for dogs due to concerns over potentially elevated levels of Vitamin D. While no illnesses were reported, excess Vitamin D can lead to serious health issues in canines such as kidney failure. The recall was initiated after a third-party lab test identified the discrepancy in the single batch.

A 2019 investigation by the Center for Environmental Health found the Simpli by Conair Sleep Ascent deluxe mattress topper contained flame-retardant chemicals linked to cancer and other health risks, despite being marketed as safe. The product was sold without required California Proposition 65 warnings, leading to a legal notice of violation and a subsequent settlement requiring reformulation.

In 2019, Finn + Emma recalled approximately 2,300 baby rompers sold through Amazon and their website due to small plastic snap buttons that could detach, posing a choking hazard to infants. The recall was conducted in cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) after receiving reports of button detachment. No injuries were reported, but consumers were offered refunds.

In 2019, multiple consumer reviews and a blog post on ethical fashion platforms criticized The Little Market for selling items that appeared to be mass-produced rather than handmade by artisans as advertised. The controversy centered on a set of woven baskets that were traced to a commercial wholesaler in China, not a fair-trade cooperative. The brand removed the product line and issued a statement about improving supply chain audits.

In 2019, an animal rights group published a report alleging that Georgia-Pacific's EcoTouch tissue products were sourced from pulp mills that used wood from forests linked to habitat destruction of endangered species, including the northern spotted owl. The report claimed the company's sustainability certifications were inadequate. Georgia-Pacific denied the allegations and stated compliance with forest certification standards.

In 2019, Hevea recalled approximately 1,200 baby teething mitts in the U.S. due to a choking hazard, as the silicone mitts could tear and release small pieces. The recall was conducted in cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). Consumers were advised to stop using the product and contact Hevea for a refund.

In 2019, the UK organic certification body found that Pukka Herbs had mislabelled a batch of tea as organic, leading to a fine of £1,000. The error was discovered during routine testing, and the company removed the product from sale. This incident raised concerns about supply chain oversight for organic claims.

An investigation by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) found that Barebones Living's warehouse in Salt Lake City, Utah, exposed workers to serious safety hazards, including unguarded machinery and unsafe stacking of heavy inventory. The company was fined $14,000 and required to correct violations. The incident involved documented worker harm risk.

In 2019, a BBC investigation reported that Soko, the ethical jewelry brand sourcing from Kenyan artisans, was embroiled in a dispute over alleged unpaid wages and delayed payments to metalworkers in Nairobi. The company acknowledged administrative delays but denied systemic wage issues, though multiple artisans claimed they were owed thousands of dollars for work completed months prior.

Manduka faced criticism and a complaint to the Better Business Bureau in 2019 after marketing a line of yoga mats as 'vegan' and 'eco-friendly' while using a leather-like material derived from synthetic sources. Animal rights advocates argued that the term 'vegan' was misleading because the material’s production involved certain animal-derived binding agents. The company later clarified its sourcing, but the incident raised questions about transparency in animal welfare claims.

In March 2019, the FDA issued a warning letter to The Honest Kitchen after an inspection revealed that the company's pet food products were adulterated due to being prepared, packed, or held under unsanitary conditions. The letter also cited misbranding because the product labels failed to list all ingredients (including spices) and lacked required nutritional adequacy statements. The company was required to take corrective actions to comply with federal regulations.

In 2018, Stasher, Inc. entered into a settlement agreement regarding allegations that certain products failed to provide required warnings under California's Proposition 65. The dispute specifically concerned the alleged presence of Diisononyl phthalate (DINP) in specific components of their reusable storage bags. As part of the settlement, the company agreed to provide warnings or ensure products met specific 'Reformulation Standards'.

In 2018, Pact Coffee was criticized by the GMB union for using zero-hours contracts and paying below the living wage for some workers. The union called for a boycott, alleging that the company’s ethical branding conflicted with its labor practices. Pact responded by stating it was reviewing its contracts and pay structures.

In 2018, Better World Books issued a recall for approximately 1,200 children's books sold on its platform because small parts could detach and pose a choking hazard to young children. The recall was conducted in cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). No injuries were reported.

Nestlé (now BlueTriton) was found to have extracted San Bernardino National Forest water for years under a 1988 permit that had lapsed, during a state drought.

In 2017, Soko issued a voluntary recall of approximately 2,000 units of its 'Midi Ring Set' after testing revealed the rings contained lead levels exceeding federal safety limits for children's jewelry. The recall was conducted in cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). No injuries were reported, but the incident led to refunds and enhanced testing protocols.

In July 2017, Green Toys voluntarily recalled approximately 4,800 4-Pack Sand Play Sets sold exclusively at Target. The recall was issued because the small boat-shaped sieve could break, releasing small parts that pose a choking hazard to young children. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) announced the recall, and Green Toys offered a full refund to consumers.

Along with many other green-marketing companies, Dr. Bronner's labeling practices have been reviewed by the FTC in relation to 'Green Guides' compliance. While not resulting in a formal fine for Dr. Bronner's specifically, the company has been a central figure in industry-wide debates regarding what constitutes 'natural' versus 'synthetic' processing. The company proactively defends its use of potassium hydroxide and other necessary soap-making agents that activists sometimes challenge.

A class action alleged L'Oréal marketed Lancôme and L'Oréal Paris "anti-aging" cosmetics with unsubstantiated efficacy claims.

CEO David Bronner was arrested in Washington, D.C. after locking himself in a steel cage in front of the White House to harvest industrial hemp as a protest against federal drug laws. The protest was intended to draw attention to the absurdity of banning the domestic cultivation of industrial hemp, which the company imported for its soaps. While an act of civil disobedience rather than a scandal, it resulted in legal proceedings and significant public controversy.

The Center for Environmental Health (CEH) filed a lawsuit against Dr. Bronner's and several other personal care brands, alleging they labeled products as 'organic' despite containing ingredients not approved for organic use under California law. Dr. Bronner's argued that their labels were accurate under different standards, but eventually reached a settlement to resolve the labeling disputes. This case highlighted the lack of uniform federal standards for organic claims in personal care products.

In June 2009, Camden, Alabama Mayor Jim Robison called for a nationwide boycott of Maggie's Organics, alleging that the company operated a 'sweatshop' in his town and failed to pay adequate wages to workers. The mayor claimed the company took advantage of local tax incentives while underpaying employees, stirring public controversy. The incident was covered by local press and labor advocacy groups.

Dr. Bronner's faced scrutiny and internal conflict regarding the implementation of 'Fair for Life' certification standards across its global supply chain, specifically concerning the complexity of certifying smallholder farmers in diverse regions. While the company is a leader in fair trade, these challenges involved navigating regulatory requirements for worker compensation and land use in developing nations. The company has since worked to strengthen these standards, but the transition period saw various compliance complaints.